Where has 2009 gone?  We are already coming into (or are in) the holiday season.  All of us here at RCI want to tell you how thankful we are for your business and the loyalty you have shown us over the years.  Please take time this holiday season to treasure it with family and friends.  Please, don’t be too busy to take time to reflect and enjoy the spirit of the season.

According to many studies the holiday season, especially Christmas, can be one of the most stressful times of the year.  That will be true for many this year as the economic downturn has put additional stress on household budgets. 

There is good news!  With a little planning and thoughtfulness, you don’t need to get caught up in the stress that often accompanies this time of the year.  Although you may have suffered some financial setbacks this year, there are a number of things you can do to avoid any additional stress and actually enjoy the holidays.  Even if you haven’t been affected by the downturn in the economy, remember those that have.

For those of us of the Christian faith, the first thing we need to do is reflect on the “Reason for the Season”.  Know that Jesus did not come to earth to bring stress, but to bring abundant life.  That is what Christmas is all about.  It shouldn’t be a stress maker, but a stress reliever!

Regardless of your religious persuasion, this should be a time of thanksgiving and reflection.  We need to focus on the positive things in our lives.  Enjoy that Thanksgiving Dinner with your family, and look forward to Christmas.

Here are a few tips to consider for relieving Holiday financial stress:

·         Spend more “quality time” with family and friends.  Quality time also means “quantity time”.  When is the last time you have put all your worries and cares aside and just enjoyed spending uninterrupted time with family and friends?  Cost = 0

·         Don’t spend money you don’t have.  That means don’t charge anything that you can’t pay off at the end of the month when that credit card statement comes.  You will find that those that are important to you will understand. 

·         If you have children, do things together.  It goes back to that family time.  How many times have we seen children get a wonderful gift, unwrap it and then play with the box the gift came in.  That should tell us something about the value that is placed on things.  Usually the excessive spending is to make us feel good.  We’ve heard most of our lives that it’s the “thought that counts” and the longer I live the truer it becomes.

·         Do something for the less fortunate.  If you have a few extra dollars, go to an Angel Tree and bless someone.   Regardless of your situation, there are many in situations that we can’t imagine.  If you can’t bless someone with a gift, go to a homeless shelter and help with food preparation and serving. 

This list could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the idea and can add many things to the list above. 

Again, remember what the holidays are all about!  All of us here at the RCI Insurance Group would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families in Oklahoma a very Happy Holiday Season.